The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for “truth, justice, and due process” following Zaldy Co’s claim that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered a ₱100-billion budget insertion in the 2025 GAA.
In its statement, the CBCP urged Co to come home and pursue formal legal action if his accusations against Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez are legitimate.
“If his accusations are indeed credible and substantial, we urge him to return to the country and file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath, and supported by verifiable evidence,” the CBCP said.
The bishops stressed that Co’s online declarations hold no weight compared to sworn testimony.
“Public declarations on social media, however alarming, cannot take the place of formal testimony in the appropriate legal venues,” they added, emphasizing that such claims must be examined transparently and impartially.
Calling for clarity and accountability, the CBCP said: “The Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumor; accountability, not manipulation.”
They urged all parties to act responsibly to preserve trust in democratic institutions.
Malacañang earlier dismissed Co’s allegations, with PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez noting that it was Marcos who first exposed flood control irregularities.